The United Kingdom is set to distribute one million vape kits to smokers

The country launches the first national programme to reduce smoking

The British Department of Health announced a new national programme called "swap to stop" which aims to help smokers quit smoking by providing them with a free vaping kit and behavioral support. This programme is considered the first of its kind in the world and will allow nearly one in five smokers in England to receive a vaping starter kit. The Health Minister, Neil O'Brien, is expected to present the programme during a speech scheduled for later in the day.

The minister stated: "We will offer one million smokers new help to stop smoking. We will fund a new national "swap to stop" programme – the first of its kind in the world. We will work to offer one million smokers across England a free vaping starter kit."

The government also announced the creation of an illicit vaping enforcement squad, which will be funded by a three million pound fund. This squad will be tasked with combating the illegal sale of vaping products and enforcing current legislation in the field. This measure follows an increase in the number of minors (11-15 years old) vaping in the country, which rose to 9% in 2021 compared to 6% in 2018.

Furthermore, the British government committed to fully funding smoking cessation treatment services for all smokers admitted to hospital in 2023, at a cost of 35 million pounds sterling.

This programme is not a first for the United Kingdom, which had already distributed electronic cigarettes in 2021 to help patients with mental health disorders and homeless people quit smoking.